Colt Model 1902 Military .38 ACP Serial Number 38584
- This pistol was manufactured late in 1916 and is one of
thirteen pistols recorded as having been shipped with
factory smooth walnut stocks. Finish is polish blue with
blue small parts and smooth walnut stocks. The hammer and
lanyard loop are color case hardened. Research
indicates that this 1902 Military was shipped to
R.W. Sorensen on May 18, 1916 in a one gun shipment. The letter indicates
38584 was shipped in a one gun shipment (see below) and was
processed on Colt Factory Order number 286.

Some collectors think that the walnut grips
on the Model 1900 (left) are the same size as the grips on
the Model 1902 (right). From this photo comparing the two,
it's obvious that while the M1902 factory smooth wood grips
are slightly more substantial than those found on the Model
1900, the distances between the screw holes are the same.

When the early style slide serrations were
relocated to the back of the slide as on this pistol, the "BROWNING'S
PATENT" (left side) and "MODEL 1902" (right side) slide
markings were no longer used. The September 9, 1902 patent
covered several features, but the most significant
improvement was the slide lock device. The concept
surrounding this John Browning designed modification was
utilized by Browning in the design of the Model 1911. The
earliest examples have split slide locks which were used to
create tension on the groove in the frame. This later type
was used from 1907 forward.

Right side view. Late style spur style case
hardened hammer with checkering.

This example does not have the takedown hole
(which was no longer needed to disassemble the gun due to
the modifications as specified in John Browning's September
9, 1902 patent) remained as part of the standard machining
process. This takedown hole disappeared in 1908.

Late style 1902 Military magazine, full
blue, marked "CAL .38" over "COLT" on the base plate The
earliest style of 1902 Military magazines were nickel
plated. In the high 13000 serial number range, the nickel
magazines were replaced with full blue variations with the
same patent marking. In 1905 in the 12000 serial number
range, the patent date was omitted.